Baby's breath ( Gysophila paniculata L.)
Baby’s breath is a perennial ornamental species introduced from Europe that has escaped cultivation and spread into pastures and rangelands in some areas. Once established, it can form dense stands that outcompete desirable vegetation and are difficult to control. It is commonly used in fresh and dried floral arrangements.
This herbaceous perennial produces erect, widely branching stems that may reach 3–4 feet tall. Stems are narrow and branch extensively, especially in the upper portion of the plant.
Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, ¾ to 4 inches long, with smooth margins and sharp tips. They are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem and occur at distinctly swollen nodes. Leaves are glabrous (smooth and hairless), giving them a somewhat waxy appearance.
Flowering occurs from early to late summer (typically June through August). Flowers are borne in open, diffusely branched panicles at the ends of stems. Each flower is small (1/16–1/8 inch wide), white, and has five petals. The calyx forms a small capsule containing 2–5 small, black, bean-shaped seeds with a finely pebbled surface.
Baby’s breath develops a deep taproot along with lateral rhizomes, allowing it to persist and spread in established infestations.
Quick ID Guide
Life Cycle:
• Herbaceous perennial
• Deep taproot with lateral rhizomes
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Height:
• 3–4 feet tall
• Widely branching stems
Leaves:
• Opposite arrangement
• Narrow, lance-shaped
• Smooth margins
• Hairless (glabrous)
• Found at swollen stem nodes
Flowers (June–August):
• Small, white
• 5 petals
• Open, airy panicles
• 1/16–1/8 inch wide
Seeds:
• Small, black
• Bean-shaped
• 2–5 per capsule
Management Options
Prevention is highly effective for this species. Avoid using baby’s breath in fresh-cut or dried flower arrangements. If used, dispose of arrangements securely in a trash bag to prevent seed spread.
Cultural control strategies should be emphasized. There are currently no biological control agents available for baby’s breath.
Small infestations may be controlled by carefully hand-pulling or digging out the taproot and lateral rhizomes. The root crown must be removed completely, which may be as deep as 1 foot below the soil surface. Mowing and shallow tillage are not effective and may encourage regrowth.
Larger infestations may require herbicide applications. Spring and early summer treatments are generally effective. Always read and follow herbicide label instructions before application. Contact Sublette County Weed & Pest for assistance with product selection, rates, and application timing.
